May 15, 2017

Alchemy of Fabric- Guest Blogger Jen Kingwell

For the past few days, Jen Kingwell has been here at the Stitchin' Post teaching. We asked her to write a guest blog about her thoughts on neutral fabrics. These are her thoughts:

On Using Neutrals

I'm a lover of scrap quilts and I know that is no surprise to anyone!

When it comes to using neutrals I use very much the same approach. A mixture of many many shades and prints adds visual interest for me.

The definition of neutral "not supporting or helping either side in a conflict"

I'm not sure about this when it comes to fabric choices! I think neutrals are incredibly supportive and can actually alter the whole mood of your project. Try a little experiment. Take some of your favourite fabrics from your stash and lay them out on a clear white background. Then on a cream background. Any difference in the relationship between those fabrics?

Now try grey! The real change will happen as soon as you do this. Any background that has a grey base eg taupe, will pull back the intensity of colour in those fabrics. It's almost like you have just added a drop of black to your paint palate.

I love vintage quilts and as the fabric in these are aged they have quite often altered and "discoloured" I love to mix my neutrals to give a similar effect, mostly grey based but with a hint of creams and whites to give that slightly "off" look.

Neutrals as backgrounds are great but consider a whole quilt in them. They don't always have to play the supporting role.

I am currently working on a new "neutral quilt" with a hint of colour. It's so much fun. It's my new fabric range showing at St Louis Quiltmarket. It's a line of wovens which will add texture to you neutral palate.

Look around you on your next outing, take in the subtle colours of nature and how they relate.

Remember to explore possibilities, quilt outside the lines and above all have fun. Make all things with joy and keep in mind not everyone likes the same thing.

I once heard the amazing Freddy Moran say "red is a neutral" On that note I will leave you to think about your "neutral"

Jen xxx

Our intention for creating the "Alchemy of Fabric" club is to provide the spark... the catalyst... the inspiration... for a project that your color palette is built upon. We have a monthly tutorial of insights on each fabric chosen. We have also included 10 other recommended fabrics to expand from the core fabrics and further guide your choices.

We are excited to share this educational opportunity as a study in color and fabric as well as build your artist palette of fabrics. As you practice designing your project from many different designers and collections our hope is to facilitate greater confidence and empowerment in your creative pursuits..

At the Stitchin' Post were are committed to creativity and inspiration and we are now embarking on a journey opening to new options together as the "Alchemy of Fabric" unfolds each month. Please share with us what the spark has ignited in you using the hashtag "#AlchemyofFabric" on your preferred social media platform, so others can be inspired by your work! You can also search #AlchemyofFabric to see what others have done, and to gain your own inspiration.